Private solution better, but let's get moving

All most Carson City residents really want to know about the old Wal-Mart building on South Carson Street is when something will happen.

They have the same question about the empty Kmart box on the north end of town, but the former Wal-Mart building holds all the intrigue because of the man who owns it and his grand plan.

Since the day Max Baer Jr. announced his desire to build a Beverly Hillbillies-themed resort there, it's been a hot topic. Either this is the most embarrassing idea ever foisted on the capital city, or it's a brilliant marketing opportunity that will put Carson on tourists' maps.

Unfortunately, nothing's happening - at least not visibly. Stalled by shopping-center restrictions, Baer can't proceed. He's not giving up, though, so he won't sell back to Wal-Mart for construction of a Sam's Club.

Meanwhile, Mayor Marv Teixeira has raised the specter of using the city's eminent domain power to force some movement on the property.

We certainly hope that's a last-resort option, as it would set a precedent we're not sure Carson City is ready to embrace. We're generally opposed to using eminent domain to try to sort out the affairs of private property owners.

In addition, such an eminent-domain proceeding could get tied up in court. The U.S. Supreme Court case being decided now from New London, Conn., dates to 1998. Yikes! The Carson City freeway could be done by the time a lawsuit is resolved.

On the other hand, it took the better part of two decades for the Lucky Spur to begin its transformation in downtown Carson. Don't wait forever.

We'd much prefer a private solution be worked out between Baer and whoever - either other property owners at Southgate, or Sam's Club. As long as nothing productive fills that building, the debate over which is better is pointless.